Refugee Support Team

The mission of the Refugee Support Team is to welcome refugee families to the Phoenix area and assist them in gaining crucial life skills that will empower each family to become self-sufficient and confident in their new life. This supports UUCP’s mission by furthering our community’s Service and Justice Philosophy of “anti-racism, anti-oppression, equality, and justice work.”

To assist refugee families, we partner with Lutheran Social Service of the Southwest. Families may be from countries all over the world and are newly arrived in Phoenix. A team of 5-6 UUCP volunteers will support each family, with visits about twice each week (different team members) to be “first friends,” providing cultural navigation which may include shopping for food and clothing (vouchers provided), help with household items and school supplies, English lessons, taking children to the library or on picnics, assisting with obtaining a state ID, setting up a bank account, etc. There is no financial obligation.

Volunteer commitment will be for a total of three months, and training will be provided. Each volunteer will spend an average of two hours/week, or four hours every other week. If you plan to be away for 2-3 weeks, other team members can fill in. If you plan to be away for several months (perhaps in the summer), please consider contacting us to register in advance for a team that will begin when you return. A fingerprint card is required for solo visits (although you can visit with other members of the team without a card), so it takes time to register.

More information about the welcome teams through Lutheran Social Services can be found on their website.

If you are interested in learning more or joining a team, please email: refugee@phoenixuu.org